Public Display of Affection- (dissecting the 'kiss of love' campaign)

Khajuraho Temple
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White hat-Facts and Figures
By-Erick Massey

The topic covers a controversial argument regarding intimacy in public and the mind-set of people on such issues. The vehement opposition of people towards public display of affection often termed as PDA and a strong penchant of young generation of going beyond the walls and experiencing the eternal bliss of intimacy under the blue sky.

The roads have never been easy for issues like this in a country like India, if we go to what the laws are when it comes to intimacy, the section 294 of Indian Penal Code (IPC) states that whoever does any obscene act in any public place or sings, recites or utters any obscene songs/words in public place, shall be punished.

The Court has regularly used the archaic 1860 rule for determining obscenity, whose foundation was laid by British rulers. The counterview from people is that the ramifications should be adopted in such a manner so that it can match the norms of society that we are in, as the society has seen tremendous transformations from the time when these laws were made.

Hence it is illegal to kiss or hold hands or sit in an objectionable position in public places, however the section 294 has not defined obscenity which creates confusion as what appears obscene from a particular persons point of view my not appear so to some other person.

The section exempts any representation that is in the interest of science, literature or art etc. similarly it also seeks to prevent the temples, religious idols or ancient monuments which have erotic imagery or sculptures which shows erotic nature of that era.

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Black Hat-Criticism
By-Arnab Mitra

The apparition of diatom concords the tradition and culture of a Vedic society. The western influence dissects our culture and it is the result of ‘very media’ that bells us every day.

Our culture teaches us to bow down and respect our elders, but today the same culture ascribed their kids to do public nuisance in broad daylight. India observed an oral culture till the dusk of twentieth century and the ailment of public empathy was observed in the society. People observed arranged marriages more than love marriages; girls were not likely afforded to go to the office and even conversation between the opposite gametes was perceived in a negative sense. Children were not allowed to see adult films and schools provided sex education only at higher secondary level. But the recent data shows that 48% children are addicted to porn films and a campaign like ‘Kiss of love’ strikes the heart of our culture and it leads to close room porn in an open arena.

In the name of a campaign, were hundreds of female progeny not abused in a single minute?  The ‘public Display of Affection’, as coined, is the leverage of a chauvinist culture, and it’s a movement is led by unconscious youth who distract themselves and the society every single minute. From the past to present the mindset of patriarch society will never change. These people have to understand that indulging into physical intimacy of such level might give an indication to those, who are disturbing elements in the society, that they can take advantage of such situations.

 If ‘Kiss of love’ campaign can reduce the criminality that happens every single minute then people should praise its mammoth, as every movement has its pros and cons, the time will tell their suzerain if the society accept her.

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Yellow Hat-Optimism/Support
By-Ankit Chatterjee

Sometimes in the course of a generation there comes along a revolution that shakes the very foundation of the society. This year saw the surge of such a movement called "The Kiss of Love" which has been taking the whole nation by storm.

Public display of affection is a sign that a couple is not afraid of the relationship that they have between them. Our generation talks about being open-minded so public display of affection is something that we should embrace. The right to express one’s love for another person in any form is looked down upon when done publicly.

The culture that we all talk about doesn't get affected by public display of affection, this rather influences the younger generation to be more open-minded, to express themselves and accept things in life as they grow. One can experience the evident existence of male chauvinism and blatant patriarchy in our country. Campaigns like "Kiss of Love” is much needed bitter pill for a country which has always been socially conservative and politically liberal. Public display of affection was ridiculed and condemned by the more conservative sections of the society deeming the activities as immoral and against Indian culture.

There were also comments which stated that foreign culture is corrupting Indian youth. This is not true since our generation is beginning to express themselves. India known to be the birthplace of the 'Kamasutra' shies away even at the mention of the word 'Sex'. The same country which has hundreds of temples adorned with sculptures and paintings of kings and queens engaging in amorous activities has a problem with people holding hands and hugging in public, let alone kissing.

If one is attempting to dissuade people from engaging in PDA in the name of Indian Culture, time has surely come to take a good look around oneself.

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Green Hat-Creative Solutions/Ideas
By-Namit Hans

The recent incidents of brutally harassing young people in the name of moral policing in Kochi gave rise to a country wide protest. ‘Kiss of love’, which was also referred as ‘Kiss of lust’ by those who stood firm in opposition of this movement, started from Kochi and soon trumpeted all over the country.

Both the sides, in opposition and defense of the practice of PDA, have their own compelling viewpoints and none can be discarded as irrelevant. However, like always, there is a paucity of understanding and acknowledgement of each other’s outlook and opinions.

The new age, westernised youth does not think twice before delineating every individual who raises his voice against kissing or making out in public, as orthodox and shallow minded. However, this does not validate clobbering young men and women in public, in the name of culture and tradition.

The culture and traditions change with time, interacting and adopting from different cultures throughout the world. Therefore, the argument that our youth is doing this solely because of the influence of western culture does not stand correct. Everyone should be open to this change and even if we are against this alteration; discussing about it and finding a mutual conclusion must always be a preferred alternative.

We can never expect society and mind-sets to openly accept contrasting point of views, if we resort to such extreme measures, which include both violence and protests. People understand the language of love and social norms transform gradually. Giving a sudden shock to this fabric might lead to a breaking up of our society into two contradicting sections which are always quarreling with each other.

Hence, the need of hour is to educate people and concentrate more on other important issues. Respecting other’s space and comfort shall be our priority and showing disagreement in a civilized manner should be pursued.

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Blue Hat-Expert Interview

By-Raza Naqvi

Shashank Awasthi, renowned educationist and a member of executive committee of Vishva Hindu Parishad in Kanpur

Q. What is your view point on Kiss of Love?

A. Kiss of Love, I believe is not appropriate. What I think is that if you have to express your love to someone there is no need to express it publicly you can rather do it in alone.

Q. If someone is expressing love openly then what is the problem?

A. If there is not a problem in expressing love openly then why do husbands and wives or girlfriend/boyfriend make love in their rooms and not in front of the family.

Q. Is violence a remedy for controlling expressing affection in public?

A. Violence is only done when people start crossing the limits. There is no need to keep kissing and making love in parks and other places, these places are meant for recreation, people should understand that it has a negative impact especially on children .

Q. What do you think is the solution?          

A. See I am not against those who feel no harm in kissing at the public places but our country is not like the other western countries. The society feels violated by this also imagine your or mine sister kissing at a public place wouldn’t that affect you? So I would just request people who call themselves broad minded to think logically and rationally before kissing publicly. 

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Red Hat-Public Opinion
By-Prateek Kumar

Rakesh Mohan, 72, Retired Professor, Dighi, Pune

Q. Being a member of RSS, how would you react if you caught someone kissing in public? What if you know that person?

A. The role of RSS is to promote Hinduism and not to obstinate love, but if something happened in the name of love is not accepted in Hindu culture then it should be considered as a crime even for my son or daughter.

Q. Our religion doesn't allow us to kiss in public but in privy, is it correct?

A. Holding hands and kissing are two different aspects of portraying love in public. Couples can display affection whenever and wherever they want as long as it is in limited parameters.

Q. We have gods like 'Kamdev' in our mythology but still our society has not accepted PDA. How justified is that?

A. It is an ancestral belief that gods were forbidden for any crime they commit. But we can’t allow our children to do the same in the name of god. I am not saying that you shouldn't love someone but showing affection in public should be considered as an offence.

Anuj, 22, Student, SGTB Khalsa College, Delhi

Q. What is your view on Public display of affection?

 A. PDA is an integral part of love relation, and should be taken with respect and dignity. There is nothing wrong in it.

Q. Is holding hands or kissing in public a punishable offense?

 A. Every citizen of our country has a fundamental right to life and dignity, and freedom of speech and expression, holding a hand or kissing in public place should not be punishable offence, as it not just against basic human values but also violates our constitutional right.

Q. How we can overcome this indignant situation?

 A. In the end it's about freedom of expression and the liberty of individuals. If other people are judgmental about it then it's not your fault. But if one is actually overdoing it and exploiting their rights it won't be healthy for society either.

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Introduction

Erick Massey, 23, Graduate in B.Sc from Delhi University, Pursuing Diploma in English Journalism from Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Dhenkanal

Arnab mitra, 23, Graduate in English Literature from Calcutta University, Post Graduate in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, Former space seller in The Telegraph, Pursuing Diploma in English Journalism from Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Dhenkanal

Ankit Chatterjee, 22, Graduate in Journalism and Mass Communication from Amity University, Former Journalist at tadpoles.in, Pursuing Diploma in English Journalism from Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Dhenkanal

Namit Hans, 22, Graduate in Economics from Delhi University, Former Gandhi Fellow at Piramal Foundation for Education Leadership, Pursuing Diploma in English Journalism from Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Dhenkanal

Raza Naqvi, 21, Graduate in Business Administration from Gauhati University, Former Journalist at Hindustan Times, Pursuing Diploma in English Journalism from Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Dhenkanal

Prateek Kumar, 22, Graduate in English Literature from Delhi University, Pursuing Diploma in English Journalism from Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Dhenkanal